5 Things: Tame the Holiday Stress

1. Although it's only November, is the stress of holiday season already getting to you? It may seem early, but now is the time to conquer that stress and tame the seasonal beast!

The East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 16, Cutler St., Warren, hosts professional organizer Lisa Griffith to teach participants:

• Some holiday organizing tips and strategies that will decrease your anxiety and increase your productivity.
• How to set up a plan to organize your holiday to-do list.
• How to systemize your gift purchasing and giving.

There is no fee but advance registration is required. To register, go towww.organizedway.com/events.

2. Learn about the Jewish experience in Israel with two short films and a discussion with Professor (adjunct) George Marshall, who is also the Executive Director of FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, today at Roger Williams University.

"Jewish Experience Series: Two Short Films on the Israeli Experience" is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. today at the Marine and Natural Science Building, Room 200

The films incude:

The Other Side (2011). A simple soccer ball sparks an unusual friendship between two young boys on either side of the Israeli and Palestinian separation wall. Can this wordless and gaze-free relationship overcome the wall's towering presence?

Beyond the Boundaries (2011). Four disabled Israeli veteran soldiers are part of a group invited to Aspen, CO, to participate in the program Golshim L'Chaim-Ski To Live. The short film reveals how the soldiers are transformed by their experience of learning to ski. The program was started in 2008 by Rabbi Mendel Mintz of the Chabad Jewish Community Center and is supported entirely by donations from the local community.

3. Dr. Robert Wiener, founder and director of the California Coalition for Rural Housing Project (CCRH), which has been the leading voice in California for the production and preservation of affordable rural housing since 1981, leads a discussion at 4:30 p.m. at Roger Williams University.

 Under his leadership, CCRH has successfully lobbied for millions of dollars in state housing assistance, benefiting farm workers, first-time home buyers, the elderly and disabled, and large families living in rural and urbanizing communities. He is the author and co-editor of Housing in Rural America: Building Affordable and Inclusive Communities and has published articles on housing issues in trade magazines and books.

4. Network with other professionals at the weekly meeting of the Barrington/Warren Rotary Coub at the Wharf Tavern. This week's speaker is Mary Hassan, Administrator for DVS Drug Stores. Her topic is  "CVS Real Estate." Cost is $16. 

5. Expect showers and possibly a thunderstorm today with patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 49.